Post Masters RA in AI-Guided Electron Microscopy

Overview Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe. The Materials Science team within the Engineered Materials Group is seeking a post-masters researcher with expertise in scanning electron microscopy and data analytics. You will join a team leading the development of artificial intelligence-driven electron microscopy to investigate metals and ceramics. You are expected to contribute to the design, testing, and expansion of new methodologies for automated data collection and analysis. You will be expected to interface with data scientists and apply novel machine learning models to analyze microscope data more statistically. You will have access to a suite of world-class research instrumentation, including multiple aberration-corrected microscopes and high-performance computing capabilities. Responsibilities A highly motivated researcher ready to test your talents and training in Physics, Materials, or Chemistry and hone your skills at a national laboratory widely recognized for its work in the physical sciences. Details are below; you do not need to meet all the preferred qualifications to be considered. Conduct independent research and work on team assignments Contribute to manuscript development and maintain a strong overall publication record in the peer-reviewed scientific literature Interact, communicate, and problem solve with a diverse team of research staff Present research at technical conferences and project/program review meetings Participate in the development of research proposals Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have received a Master’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 required. Preferred Qualifications: M.S. in Materials Sciences, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or related field. In-depth knowledge and practical experience in scanning electron microscopy. Experience automating the analysis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) data. Knowledge of data analytics, machine learning, and image processing to quantify electron microscope images and spectral data sets. Familiarity with the Hyperspy software package for quantification of X-ray spectra. The ability to adapt, refine, or innovate experimental tools based on research needs. Ability to work independently and take initiative in the completion of tasks important to the projects. These include preparation of first drafts of papers for peer-reviewed journals, technical presentations at scientific conferences. Ability to work in collaboration with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff, ability to communicate effectively with experimentalist and data scientist colleagues. Previous work experience is desirable. Strong verbal and written communications skills. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Radiological worker-I & II training will be required for this position, since some of our instrumentation is located in radiologically controlled spaces, but no work with radiological samples will be conducted. The work requires familiarity with chemical and radiological hazards. Additional Information Not applicable. Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected]. Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **Once eligibility requirements are met. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards